Robert Irwin in hospital after emergency surgery

Robert Irwin in hospital after emergency surgery

ROBERT Irwin has revealed he underwent emergency surgery on New Year's Day.

The 14-year-old son of late wildlife warrior Steve Irwin kicked off 2018 suffering appendicitis and had to have his appendix removed as a result.

An Australia Zoo spokesman said the budding photographer had since been "recovering well" and will be back to participating in the daily shows at Australia Zoo's Crocoseum "as much as he can" from Saturday.

Robert took to social media to share a picture of himself giving the thumbs up in a hospital bed.

"Kicking off the New Year with emergency surgery," he wrote alongside the Instagram snap.

"I'm recovering well and feeling so much better without my pesky appendix."

Australia Zoo commented on the photograph from its official account thanking his fans for their well-wishes.

Big sister Bindi Irwin, who is back home in Queensland to appear in the Wildlife Warrior shows at the zoo, also commented on the image, writing: "You are so strong!!!"